Copier for making prints of pattern layouts on light-sensitive copy paper

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a copier and, more particularly, to a copying machine for printing patterns and the like having means for holding the individual patterns in place while allowing the position to be adjusted.

O United States Patent [151 3,644,041

Haus Feb. 22, 1972 [54] COPIER FOR MAKING PRINTS OF PATTERN LAYOUTS ON LIGHT- [56] References Cited SENSITIVE COPY PAPER UNITED STATES PATENTS [72] Imam 3,446,162 5/1969 Kranz 108/23 [22] Filed: Aug. 28, 1969 Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews Assistant Examiner-Richard L. Moses [21] Appl' 8533 Attorney-Norman S. Blogett [30] Foreign Application Priorlty Data [57] ABSTRACT Sept- 19 Germ ny 17 85 4863 This invention relates to a copier and, more particularly, to a copying machine for printing patterns and the like having U68. means for the individual patterns in place allow- [5 Int. Cl. r ..G03b the position to be adjusted [58] Field 0! Search ..355/l22, 128,131, 79, 87,

12 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB 2 2 I972 7 liliz llizillllllllllllll HANS HAUS INVENTOR. I; ll.

COPIER FOR MAKING PRINTS OF PATTERN LAYOUTS ON LIGHT-SENSITIVE COPY PAPER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is common practice to provide a copier for making blueprint copies of patterns wherein the copy paper is placed over the selected and positioned patterns to form a single layout and wherein the paper is spread out on a layout table and may be exposed to light from underneath by a light source which can be stationary or movable. Devices of this kind are used in the textile industry, especially for cutting out clothing parts from material. For the purpose of material savings, the original patterns have been out after having been reduced to a smaller scale (for example, to a scale of l to or 1 to 3), and then are pushed together to a pattern layout in such a way that the minimum space is left between the individual patterns and material waste is reduced.

The tables used up to now have been provided with a planning board bearing white lines on a black background and a scale with corresponding numbers. With this planning board, the patterns were positioned by hand in such a way as to make the best use of the area. This positioning work required considerable time and had to be done in special rooms, so that the lightweight patterns were not exposed to draft or other influence which could disturb the work, because the distance of the patterns from each other must be reduced to 0.1 millimeter or less. The finished positioning of the whole pattern layout was photographed with a camera positioned above the table and enlarged back to the original scale. One disadvantage of this procedure is that the size of the whole pattern had to be considered in order to save material during cutouts, because these layouts are necessarily quite long and are very difficult to photograph. These and other difficulties experienced with the prior art devices have been obviated in a novel manner by the present invention.

It is, therefore, an outstanding object of the invention to provide a copier that permits the manual adjustment of lightweight patterns without disturbance by a breeze or the like.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a copier for making a print of an elongated layout of a large number of lightweight patterns.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a copier having a layout table with means for holding paper patterns while permitting adjustment and then allowing for light exposure of a printing paper.

With these and other objects in-view, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention resides in the combination of parts set forth in the specification and covered by the claims appended hereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In general, the invention consists of a copier for making prints of a pattern layout, having a table on which the patterns can be arranged and having means for exposing the layout to light after the arrangement has been completed. A flexible translucent net mat is positioned on top of a translucent surface on which the patterns are laid. A pressure element overlies the print paper which, in turn, overlies the net mat.

More specifically, the disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated in such a way that. on top of an'embossed contact surface of a translucent table, is positioned a flexible translucent mat made from net on which is later placed a pressure plate or a flexible nontranslucent mat. The embossing of the contact surface may consist of a translucent foil with embossed lines positioned on top of a glass plate. The net mat may be formed as a roller tape attached to one end of the layout table, the roll shaft having clamping devices pressable against the sides of the table. The roller tape shaft is made in the form of a cylindrical bar having at one end a fixed washer and at the other end a spring-biased movable washer. The mesh of the net mat is preferably kept smaller than 1 mm. in its largest dimension. The net mat roll and also the rolled-up cover mat are fastened to the end of the table and may rest in a trough formed in the table. Furthermore, for practical purposes, the templates are made of transparent material permitting the imprint of pictures and letters. For achieving very long pattern layouts, it is possible to add extensions to the front of the table. Where the light source for exposure of the copy paper is arranged underneath the contact surface and is movable, this invention uses a cart which carries the light source and which is movable longitudinally of the table beneath the contact surface. The cart is moved by a motordriven tow cable extending from one table end to the other, the reel drive at one end consisting of a cylindrical friction reel. The electrical cable for the motor drive of the lighting cart may be laid on an intermittent table floor arranged underneath the path of motion. At the end of the table may be provided as an extension of the table a case for housing the copy paper roll and service tools. Instead of or in addition to themat coverings for holding down the net mat, it is suggested that flat plates be used which are mounted on the long sides of the table on hinges. For exceptionally long tables, it is recommended that the net and/or cover extend from both sides of the table towards its center. It is also recommended, in the case of these long tables, that flap strips be attached to the net mat edges. Also, holders consisting of stretchable straps grasp perforated holes within the net mat along the sides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The character of the invention, however, may be best understood by reference to one of its structural forms, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa copier embodying the principles of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the invention taken on the line IlII of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 3 is an end view of a modified form of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, the copier l0 incorporates a cover plate 11 made from glass. This plate bears an embossing not shown in the drawings. This embossing is impressed in a transparent foil placed on the glass plate. The table is equipped on its front side with a case 12 which can be closed by a cover 13 and contains the necessary auxiliary equipment such as copy paper, clamps, cutting devices, etc. In front of the case are arranged the service devices for the table, including a timing clock 14, a speed control device 15 for the lighting car, and a light meter 16. The cover mat 17 has meshes which are smaller than 1 mm. and is resting, rolled in a trough 17a arranged in length direction of the table and opposite to the case. The long sides of the table are provided with holders for perforations in the net mat edges. The individual patterns 20 are positioned on top of the glass plate 11. Over this glass plate is rolled a net mat l9 fastened to the table edge by a hinge l8 and ending in net roll 19a. When not in use the mat l7 and the net mat 19 are rolled together and rest in the trough 17a at one end of the table which lies adjacent the hinge 18 to which they are both attached. This roll has arranged on each side discs 21 and 22. These washers or discs may be axially pressed against the edges of the top of the copier 10 so as to keep the roll in the desired position. The knob 23 is able to loosen the roll from its clamping position by pulling it out against a spring pressure. Between the glass plate 11 and the intermittent floor plate 24 (which forms a box) a light exposure carrier 26 is arranged to be movable on tracks 25 and incorporates the light tubes 27. This carrier can be driven by a motor (not shown in drawing) and, through the known limit switches arranged at the edge of the table, may start the forward or reverse action. The current-carrying cable 28 is simply placed on the intermediate floor plate 24 during the movement of the carrier. In addition to the cover mat 17, there may also be arranged cover plates 30 linked by hinges 29 and positioned at the sides of the table.

FIG. 3 shows a modificationof the copier 31 as a layout table with a glass plate 32 wherein a lighting table 33 may be driven underneath. The lighting table moves on wheels 34 on tracks 35. The table 33 is arranged in such a way that it may be driven selectively into'the opening under the copier with the prepared pattern layout. The lighting tables may be stopped in lighting position with known limiting devices.

The operation of the invention will now be readily understood in view of the above description. This device permits the layout of patterns first without any particular attempt at accuracy into an approximate position to each other. Thereafter, the net mat is rolled little by little over the table starting from the end, thereby preventing the patterns from moving under any circumstances. The unrolled part of the mat is kept in its position with the help of the clamping rod. Thereafter, the patterns are brought into their desired exact positions by working through the screen net with a fine scribing point. This can be done without the danger of their slipping out of place of all the other patterns. After the complete pattern layout is finished and corrected over the whole length of the table, the copy paper is pulled out of the case (which is located on the table end) and rolled over the net mat. It is pressed by the cover mat or the cover plate onto the mat in position. Now, the light source may be switched on and the exposure of the papers may follow in the known manner from beneath. The close positioning of the patterns permits the lifting of a part of the copy paper to check the right exposure time so that, if necessary, an additional exposure time may be added without having the pattern layout itself changed by this action. The embossing, the division lines, boundary numbers, names, markings of the contact surface, and the pattern, which is made from translucent paper, are all transferred to the copy paper and permit easy identification of the pattern at a later time.

Since, during practical operation, the making of the pattern layout requires more time than the light exposure which follows, the arrangement with an automatic lighting table driven under the contact surface is particularly useful.

It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form and construction of the invention without departing from the material spirit thereof. It is not, however, desired to confine the invention to the exact form herein shown and described, but it is desired to include all such as properly come within the scope claimed.

The invention having been thus described, what is claimed as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A copier for making of prints of pattern layouts by which copy paper is positioned on top of individual patterns which have been brought into desired position forming the general pattern layout on top of a layout table and are exposed to light from beneath by a light source, comprising a. a flexible translucent net mat positioned on top of a translucent embossed contact surface carrying patterns, the

net mat being formed as a roller tape and being fastened on one end to one end of the copier, the other end of the mat having a clamping device which may be pressed against the longitudinal sides of the table,

a pressure element covering the net mat, and

a carrying cart on which the light source is mounted, the cart being movable by a motor-driven tow which is located at the end of the table and which drives in the direction of the table length underneath the contact surface.

2. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the embossing of the contact surface consists of a transparent foil with lines embossed positioned on top of a glass plate.

3. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the clamping device consists of a cylindrical bar having on one end a fixed disc and at the other end a disc axially biased by a spring.

4. A copier as recited in claim I, wherein the net mat has meshes which are smaller than 1 mm.

5. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the pressure element consists of a flexible cover mat and wherein the cover mat and the net mat are rolled up and positioned in a trough which is formed at the end of the table.

6. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the patterns are made from material which is translucent and suitable for the imprinting of pictures or letters.

7. A copier as recited in claim I, wherein the pressure element consists of plates hingedly connected to the long sides of the table.

8. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the tow consists of a cylindrical friction wheel.

9. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the current-carrying cables for the cart are positioned loosely on top of an intermittent table floor arranged underneath the path of movement of the cart.

10. A copier as recited in claim I, wherein is provided a table extension consisting of a case for carrying copy paper reserves and service tools.

11. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the long sides of the table are provided with holders for perforations in the net mat edges.

12. A copier for making prints of pattern layouts on lightsensitive copy paper, comprising a. a translucent rigid sheet having a contact surface for carrying the patterns,

b. a flexible net mat overlying the said contact surface to hold the patterns in place, while the meshes of the net permit the patterns to be adjusted relative to one another by use of a stylus or the like, the copy paper to be laid over the net mat,

c. means holding the copy paper in place on the net mat,

and

d. a light source underlying the rigid sheet for exposing the copy paper. 

1. A copier for making of prints of pattern layouts by which copy paper is positioned on top of individual patterns which have been brought into desired position forming the general pattern layout on top of a layout table and are exposed to light from beneath by a light source, comprising a. a flexible translucent net mat positioned on top of a translucent embossed contact surface carrying patterns, the net mat being formed as a roller tape and Being fastened on one end to one end of the copier, the other end of the mat having a clamping device which may be pressed against the longitudinal sides of the table, b. a pressure element covering the net mat, and c. a carrying cart on which the light source is mounted, the cart being movable by a motor-driven tow which is located at the end of the table and which drives in the direction of the table length underneath the contact surface.
 2. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the embossing of the contact surface consists of a transparent foil with lines embossed positioned on top of a glass plate.
 3. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the clamping device consists of a cylindrical bar having on one end a fixed disc and at the other end a disc axially biased by a spring.
 4. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the net mat has meshes which are smaller than 1 mm.
 5. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the pressure element consists of a flexible cover mat and wherein the cover mat and the net mat are rolled up and positioned in a trough which is formed at the end of the table.
 6. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the patterns are made from material which is translucent and suitable for the imprinting of pictures or letters.
 7. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the pressure element consists of plates hingedly connected to the long sides of the table.
 8. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the tow consists of a cylindrical friction wheel.
 9. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the current-carrying cables for the cart are positioned loosely on top of an intermittent table floor arranged underneath the path of movement of the cart.
 10. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein is provided a table extension consisting of a case for carrying copy paper reserves and service tools.
 11. A copier as recited in claim 1, wherein the long sides of the table are provided with holders for perforations in the net mat edges.
 12. A copier for making prints of pattern layouts on light-sensitive copy paper, comprising a. a translucent rigid sheet having a contact surface for carrying the patterns, b. a flexible net mat overlying the said contact surface to hold the patterns in place, while the meshes of the net permit the patterns to be adjusted relative to one another by use of a stylus or the like, the copy paper to be laid over the net mat, c. means holding the copy paper in place on the net mat, and d. a light source underlying the rigid sheet for exposing the copy paper. 